(498) 14 May : Proverbs 23v19-21 / Jeremiah 18-19 / Psalm 105v43-45

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 23:19-21

Understanding to grow in

Suffering, evil, judgment are all issues Christians struggle with. But today we see the perspective we must gain: Like a potter with his clay, the Lord has the right to do as he pleases with people and nations (see Rom 9v21). He is our creator. We are his creation. And the image reminds us that we need to know our place. But we see too, that what God does is not arbitrary, but always righteous and just (Jer 18v7-10). We do not always know why things happen as they do, but we do know that nations on the rise only rise because God has determined to do them good, and those that do not relent of evil will ultimately be brought down. And these words are striking when we consider our own nation. Although the LORD goes on to speak against Israel, the principle applies to nations in general. Those that prosper should acknowledge that comes by God's hand. And those in decline should heed those who speak God's word and turn from their sin to Christ. We must pray for such a turning in our own day. As you read consider how God deals with nations and with Israel.

Jeremiah 18-19

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 105:43-45

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here